BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It was the highest-scoring season-opening victory in program history.
The Lamar University Cardinals baseball team scored six runs in the top of the second and never looked back in its 17-1 win over California State University, Bakersfield on Friday night at Hardt Field.
Hector Rodriguez drove in the first two runs for the Cardinals on a single to right in the top of the second.
Logan Hamm added to the inning with a two-run single to right center.
Peyton Havard retired six straight batters to keep the game scoreless heading into the top of the third.
Reese Beheler and Zak Skinner tallied a pair of RBI singles that were part of a four-run inning that extended Lamar University's lead to 10-0.
CSU Bakersfield erased the shutout in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI single.
As part of a three-run frame in the top of the sixth, Damian Ruiz hit a frozen rope down the left field line to drive in Caleb Castle to make the score 13-1.
The Cardinals pushed across four runs in the top of the ninth as Matt Ryan delivered a solo home run in the inning.
HIGH-SCORING START
This marks the sixth time in program history that the Cardinals scored 10 or more runs in a season-opening win.
The 17 runs scored are the most since 2005 when 16 runs were pushed across the plate during a win over Jackson State.
Lamar University also tallied 16 runs in a 13-run win over Texas Southern in 2002.
BY THE NUMBERS
· Zane Spinn tallied the first hit of the season for the Cards with a single in the top of the second.
· Rodriguez drove in the first two runs of the season with a single in the second.
· Tab Tracy had the first extra-base hit of the season, which was a double down the left field line in the fourth inning.
· Tracy finished 2 for 3 with a single and a double.
· Beheler went 2 for 3 with two singles, a walk and an RBI.
· Rodriguez reached base safely on all four plate appearances to finish 2 for 3 with two singles, a walk and two RBIs.
· Hamm ended up going 1 for 4 with a walk and two RBIs.
· Spinn went 1 for 4 with a single, two runs scored and two walks.
· Havard tossed five innings allowing four hits while he struck out six batters.
· The Cardinals bullpen did not allow a single hit while it combined to strikeout six batters.
· Hayden Stallings, Trent Baker, Jayden Shertel and Fabian Ramirez each threw one inning of relief.
· A total of 10 batters tallied a hit.
ON THE ROAD
The Cardinals opened their season on the road for the second straight year. They are now 7-3 when opening the year away from home since 1993.
Since 1967, the Cards are now 11-11 when beginning the season on the road.
OPENING DAY
Lamar University has now won its last seven season openers. It is 22-4 in season openers since 2000 and 42-21 since 1952.
WEST COAST
The Cardinals are now 9-0 against programs from the west coast since 2022. Since 1977, Lamar University is 16-14 against west coast opponents.
This was Lamar University's first trip to the west coast since 2019 when it met Gonzaga for a three-game series in Spokane, Wash.
UP NEXT
Game 2 begins at 5 p.m. CT. It will not be televised on ESPN+. Live stats will be available.
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